D-Day We Saw Coming

"NBA Lockout Over"

Although I eagerly anticipated typing the headline above for months, recent reports of the union disbanding have put that to an end for now. Not only is the 2011-2012 season in jeopardy but the next as well.

In a polarized society comprised of only Macs or PCs living in either red or blue and states, somehow the fans get caught in the middle of it all. I don't blame the players or the owners, I blame both.

I supported the league when a labor dispute shortened the season to 50 games in ’99. I continued to do so in the following years visiting league venues from LA to NY including ones in Phoenix, ATL, Toronto, Memphis, Chicago and Boston. This meant cheering at Grizzlies games before they unexpectedly got good.

This is how they pay me back? Excuse me for not wanting to hear from either side about lost revenue and missed paychecks especially considering the country’s current economic circumstance.

With the advancement of social media, why didn’t fans have more of a voice? If ticket-holders were teased with the possibility of calling plays in an NFL game, surely we should have had more input.

Offering excuses for their failure via Twitter responses is not enough to count as engagement.

"I am still recovering from surviving the post-apocalyptic era of a dynasty destroyed."

Typically, ‘Occupy’ movements have been a sign of solidarity by the self-identified “99%.” The exact opposite may happen. Although fans may stick together, it will be hard to think it will be in large masses filling arenas. Protests will appear through absence.

Ironically and possibly most appropriately Commissioner David Stern forecasts a “nuclear winter.”

As a life-long Bulls fan, I am still recovering from surviving the post-apocalyptic era of a dynasty destroyed. A period that resulted in the acquisitions of zombies John Starks, Hershey Hawkins, Ron Mercer and Eddie Robinson (who according to Wikipedia will be playing more games this season than most NBA favorites) albeit for the Halifax Rainmen of the National Basketball League of Canada. Yeah even that league is still around.

As a current Bulls fan, I am upset our superstar, last year’s MVP and son of the city will miss a year of his prime. (Beware...watching will engender an overwhelming sense of nostalgia)

I will be reminded repeatedly while tuning into college basketball (a viable alternative—more below). Listening to Jay Williams’ color commentary and analysis, I will have to relive the pain and suffering of more than just this season lost. Once again, our star point guard’s potential is unfully realized and while different, both are arguably equally unfortunate.

Both sides played "hardball" while keeping on the fans on the sidelines. This is where they just might be once (and if) things finally get resolved. Just like in the movie of the same name, I jumped on the emotional rollercoaster knowing there would be cliché ups and down.

At that time (I was like 12) I didn’t see *SPOILER ALERT* G-baby's death coming. Despite the heart wrenching tragedy, the Kekambas preserved and survived. I don’t know if the league will do the same.

P.S. Other Things to Watch

The NFL

Most casual basketball fans may not even notice games have been cancelled until early February. The NFL like the NBA went through an extended lockout however UNLIKE it, the level of the league’s favor is off the charts.

College Basketball

Anticipating a canceled season, many prospective lottery picks (Sullinger—OSU, Barnes—UNC, Jones—Kentucky) at powerhouse programs stayed at school. Bball fans feenin for a fix will be get big league talent with scintillating story lines.

The NHL

Recovering from an entire year of missed games, hockey has seen Original Six teams like the Hawks, Bruins and Red Wings hoist the Cup in recent memory. This revitalizes the markets in which they reside.

Soccer/UFC

Marquee games from each respective sport are slowly making into primetime slots on major networks--a sign of their perceived potential growth in popularity.

Martin on DVD

Season 2 is my favorite. So many memorable clips and characters.

NBA 2010-2011 Season

East

Heat
Magic
Celtics
Bulls
Hawks
Bucks
Bobcats
Knicks

West

Lakers
Mavs
Thunder
Blazers
Jazz
Suns
Spurs
Clippers


East
Heat
If LBJ can win close to 70 games with Varejao and Mo Williams then what will he do in South Beach?

Magic
Howard finishes runner-up for MVP

Celtics
Veteran presence means slow regular season but finish strong when it counts

Bulls
“Jazz of the East” New additions and growth of young core takes a positive step forward.

Hawks
This team was a mediocre team before and didn’t really make any changes (oo…yea..well at head coach) so nothing else really changes

Bucks
Depending on the health of Bogut the league might really have a reason to Fear the Deer.

Bobcats
It’s the East and someone has to make it. Look at the rest of the conference? Who else?

Knicks
While they failed to get the big name free agents they coveted landing Amare and getting Ray Felton are solid pick-ups and equal playoffs.

Wild Cards
Wizards: Great young talent in #1 pick Wall along with McGee and Blatche.

Nets: No Carmelo trade? No problem. They get to keep Lopez. Harris. Favors. James.

Philly: Doug Collins return.


West
Lakers
Arguably the most under the radar 2 TIME DEFENDING (3X West Finals) CHAMPIONS of all-time in any sport. Great additions in Blake, Barnes and Ratliff.

Mavs
Always great during the regular season. A healthy Chandler and Jason Kidd with Terry and Dirk makes a formidable lineup.

Thunder
The young team takes a major step forward with the continued development of future MVP and scoring champ Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, teammates for the Gold Medal winning Team USA during the World Championships. Drafting Aldrich helps as he is a solid and smart Big.

Blazers
A possible contender to the Lakers for Western Conference supremacy (check the record v the Purple and Gold) led by one of Kobe’s admitted toughest matchups Brandon Roy. Health a huge hurdle. Oden and Pryzbilla need to get and STAY healthy.

Jazz
Lost Boozer and others. Got Al Jeff. A solid 20 and 10 guy and true low-post scorer. They also have one of the best coaches (Sloan) and best PG in the game. Go ahead..argue CP3. Williams actually wins. Check Paul’s playoff appearances. Go ahead. It won’t take long. There aren’t many.

Suns
Losing a monster like Amare hurts. Getting an interested Hedo helps along with other pickups like Childress and Warrick. But not much.

Spurs
What’s the difference between being an “old” team and being a savvy, veteran team? Well the Spurs are about to show us. Look for a youth movement with Splitter and Blair.

Clippers
ROY candidate Blake Griffin…yes technically he’s still a rookie…could and WILL average close to 20 and TWELVE his first year in. Why? Because I said so. Now who’s gonna stop him? Gordon (Team USA Gold Medalist) and Aminu make for great parts. Success hinges on the veterans in Kaman (an underrated player who should make the All-Star Game) and Baron Davis. If BD shows up and wants to play, let alone win? Watch out.

Wild Cards
Rockets: Everyone’s buying the hype. I’m not.
Grizzlies: Nervous about Gay’s contract and Zac Randolph’s ability to repeat last year.
Nuggets: Could be at the top of the league. Depends on Melo. Probably leaving.


Final(s) Predictions
Lakers beat Celtics in 7
Kobe..oops I mean the Lakers beat Shaq…oops I mean the Celtics to cement his legacy.

MVP: Kevin Durant OKC
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard
Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin LAC
Most Improved Player: JeVale McGee WSH
Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden OKC

The Decision: Pros and Cons of James' Move to South Beach

This summer LeBron James has bought a lot of hoopla to the free agent period. On July 8th, 2010 James had a hour-long ESPN TV special entitled, “The Decision” that had people the edges of their seats just so he can answer a question that could’ve been answered in ten seconds. Nevertheless, fans from many different cities were upset at James decision to go to Miami and team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form a new “big 3.” James had his reasons why he felt that the move to South Beach was the right choice. I have my reason also why I think it was a good choice and also my reasons why it was a bad choice.
PROS
Going to Miami gives James a legitimate shot at winning a championship. This is something he never had a chance at doing in Cleveland. In the seven seasons James has never had a solid supporting cast that can help him win a ring. In Miami he has two superstars to compliment him and also solid players in Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem. I don’t see them winning seven titles as James thinks they will, but I could see a few in the making.

The media market is huge in Miami. Even though James is already a huge name around the world, but the move will give him more of a name and also more endorsements. Being in such a small market as Cleveland really held back the endorsement monster James can really become. Of course your thinking that James already has many endorsements, but just think about this. Would a product rather endorse someone in South Beach or Cleveland? Just think about it.

One more quick pro, Miami’s weather and nightlife trumps Cleveland. You can’t blame James for making the move. He’s young and of course all young people want to be in a place with a great nightlife.

CONS
James’ legacy is tarnished forever because he couldn’t win a championship with him being ‘the man.’ Everyone knows the Heat are Wade’s team and no matter how much has James has put on himself, he will never be the man in Miami.

Being in Miami also will cause his numbers to fall. James will be sharing the ball with two other players who are very capable of scoring 30 any and every night. Of course all three players have shared their thoughts about this and they don’t care about stats, but let’s be serious what player doesn’t care about their stats?
Even though it looks like the Heat are the team to beat because of the "big 3", but every other team will be gunning for them. Every night, players will be motivated to play their best against the Heat. With this being said, the Heat might not even win any championships. Then James would be looking stupid and frowned upon by fans everywhere. If would look like James has tried everything he could in order to win a championship but he never could get that ring. This would put him out of the category as one of the greatest players ever.